About us

Decades of Christmas joy

A large group of people sitting in the seated stalls section at Carols by Candlelight. They are holding green and red candles and pink glowsticks up in the air, while they look towards the stage. A number of people are wearing Santa hats and Christmas accessories.

A beloved Australian tradition, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight has a wonderful history of supporting children who are blind or have low vision, and 2020 marks the 83rd anniversary of the iconic Christmas celebration. On December 24 each year, Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl lights up as families and friends gather to celebrate the festive season while raising funds for Vision Australia’s children’s services. From humble beginnings in 1938, with a 30-strong choir, 2 solo performers and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade Band performing at midnight, Carols By Candlelight has grown into an institution of Christmas magic, with star performers over the years including Gladys Moncrieff, Madame Florence Austral, James Morrison, Little River Band, John Farnham, David Campbell and Marina Prior.

Find out more about our rich history here: https://radio.visionaustralia.org/carols-by-candlelight-special

The spirit of Carols

The image shows Vision Australia client, Parker, who was about 18months old when the picture was taken. Parker is wearing a small pair of children’s glasses and is dressed in a black shirt and brown pants. He is walking with a small white cane in front of a Christmas tree with festively wrapped Christmas presents underneath it. On the right side of the image is a purple candle on an orange background.

Carols By Candlelight is the largest annual fundraiser for Vision Australia’s children’s services – supporting kids who are blind or have low vision, and their families, to live the life they choose. These services can range from Feelix library kits, encouraging literacy skills in our youngest clients; to white cane training to help navigate playgrounds; to orientation and mobility in schools; and so much more.

Find out more about the services we provide by visiting the Vision Australia website: https://www.visionaustralia.org/